Compliment vs. Appreciation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Compliment often involves praising someone for a quality or achievement, while appreciation expresses gratitude for someone or something.
Difference Between Compliment and Appreciation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Compliments are often expressed as praise towards someone's qualities, achievements, or appearance, focusing on recognizing and valuing specific aspects of a person. On the other hand, appreciation extends beyond mere praise to encompass a deeper sense of gratitude and recognition of value in someone or something.
While compliments are often specific and can be seen as superficial by some, focusing primarily on external attributes or particular achievements, appreciation is broader and deeper, signifying a heartfelt recognition of someone's overall impact or the intrinsic value of something.
The act of complimenting can be done casually and often forms part of polite social interactions, aiming to create a positive atmosphere or boost someone's confidence. In contrast, expressions of appreciation are generally more meaningful and can strengthen relationships by showing genuine gratitude and acknowledgment of someone's importance or contribution.
Compliments are typically conveyed through specific statements or remarks that highlight a person's attributes or actions positively. Appreciation, however, may be expressed in a variety of ways, including more detailed expressions of thanks, gestures of kindness, or even through actions that demonstrate how much someone or something means to the individual.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Qualities, achievements, appearance
Gratitude, value, significance
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Nature
Often specific and can be superficial
Broader, deeper, and more meaningful
Purpose
To praise and boost confidence
To express gratitude and recognize importance
Expression
Specific statements or remarks
Detailed expressions, gestures, actions
Impact on Relationships
Can be positive but superficial
Strengthens relationships through genuine gratitude
Compare with Definitions
Compliment
Affirmation of a choice or decision.
She got a compliment on her innovative marketing strategy.
Appreciation
Value for something received.
She wrote a note of appreciation for the thoughtful gift.
Compliment
Admiration of skill or talent.
Her singing received compliments from everyone at the party.
Appreciation
Gratitude for someone's presence.
He expressed his appreciation for his friend's support during tough times.
Compliment
Acknowledgment of achievement.
His boss gave him a compliment for completing the project early.
Appreciation
Recognition of someone's effort.
The team showed their appreciation for the coach with a special gift.
Compliment
Praise for an attribute.
Receiving a compliment on her dress made her smile.
Appreciation
Thankfulness for experiences.
He shared his appreciation for the opportunity to travel and learn.
Compliment
Recognition of effort.
The chef appreciated the compliment on his new dish.
Appreciation
Acknowledgment of importance.
They showed appreciation for the volunteers' hard work.
Compliment
A polite expression of praise or admiration
She paid me an enormous compliment
Appreciation
Recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things.
Compliment
Politely congratulate or praise (someone) for something
He complimented Erika on her appearance
Appreciation
A judgment or opinion, especially a favorable one.
Compliment
An expression of praise, admiration, or congratulation.
Appreciation
An expression of gratitude.
Compliment
A formal act of civility, courtesy, or respect.
Appreciation
Awareness or delicate perception, especially of aesthetic qualities or values.
Compliment
Compliments Good wishes; regards
Extend my compliments to your parents. See Usage Note at complement.
Appreciation
A rise in value or price, especially over time.
Compliment
To pay a compliment to.
Appreciation
The act of appreciating.
Compliment
To show fondness, regard, or respect for by giving a gift or performing a favor.
Appreciation
A fair valuation or estimate of merit, worth, weight, etc.; recognition of excellence; gratitude and esteem.
We give to you this trophy as a token of our appreciation of all your years of service.
Compliment
An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
Pay someone a compliment
Appreciation
Accurate perception; true estimation.
An appreciation of the difficulties before us
An appreciation of colors
Compliment
(uncountable) Complimentary language; courtesy, flattery.
Appreciation
A rise in value.
Compliment
Misspelling of complement
Appreciation
A just valuation or estimate of merit, worth, weight, etc.; recognition of excellence.
Compliment
(ambitransitive) To pay a compliment (to someone); to express a favourable opinion (of someone).
Appreciation
Accurate perception; true estimation; as, an appreciation of the difficulties before us; an appreciation of colors.
His foreboding showed his appreciation of Henry's character.
Compliment
Misspelling of complement
Appreciation
A rise in value; - opposed to depreciation.
Compliment
An expression, by word or act, of approbation, regard, confidence, civility, or admiration; a flattering speech or attention; a ceremonious greeting; as, to send one's compliments to a friend.
Tedious waste of time, to sit and hearSo many hollow compliments and lies.
Many a compliment politely penned.
Appreciation
Understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something;
He has a good grasp of accounting practices
Compliment
To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.
Monarchs should their inward soul disguise; . . . Should compliment their foes and shun their friends.
Appreciation
Delicate discrimination (especially of aesthetic values);
Arrogance and lack of taste contributed to his rapid success
To ask at that particular time was the ultimate in bad taste
Compliment
To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.
I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another.
Appreciation
An expression of gratitude;
He expressed his appreciation in a short note
Compliment
A remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration
Appreciation
A favorable judgment;
A small token in admiration of your works
Compliment
Say something to someone that expresses praise;
He complimented her on her last physics paper
Appreciation
An increase in price or value;
An appreciation of 30% in the value of real estate
Compliment
Express respect or esteem for
Common Curiosities
Can a compliment also be an expression of appreciation?
Yes, a compliment can be an expression of appreciation if it conveys genuine gratitude and recognition of value.
How do compliments and appreciation differ in focus?
Compliments focus on specific qualities or achievements, while appreciation acknowledges broader value and gratitude.
What is a compliment?
A compliment is a statement that praises someone's qualities, achievements, or appearance.
Why is appreciation considered deeper than a compliment?
Appreciation is considered deeper because it involves a heartfelt recognition of someone's overall impact or the intrinsic value of something, beyond surface-level qualities.
What makes appreciation important in relationships?
Appreciation strengthens relationships by showing genuine gratitude and acknowledgment of someone's importance or contribution, fostering deeper connections.
What does appreciation mean?
Appreciation refers to the recognition and gratitude for the value and significance of someone or something.
How can compliments affect relationships?
Compliments can positively affect relationships by boosting confidence and creating a positive atmosphere, though they may sometimes be seen as superficial.
Does expressing appreciation have psychological benefits?
Expressing appreciation can enhance one's own happiness and well-being by focusing on positive aspects of life and relationships.
How do cultural differences impact the expression of compliments and appreciation?
Cultural differences can significantly impact how compliments and appreciation are expressed and perceived, with some cultures placing more emphasis on one over the other.
Can expressing too many compliments be harmful?
Excessively expressing compliments without sincerity can dilute their value and may be perceived as insincere or flattering.
Is it possible to show appreciation without words?
Yes, appreciation can be shown through actions, gestures, or even thoughtful gifts, demonstrating gratitude beyond verbal expressions.
How should one respond to a compliment?
Responding with a simple "thank you" or a smile is a polite and gracious way to accept a compliment.
Can appreciation be felt for inanimate objects or situations?
Yes, one can feel appreciation for inanimate objects, situations, or experiences that have a significant impact on their life.
Why is it sometimes difficult to express appreciation?
Expressing appreciation can be difficult due to vulnerability, fear of being perceived as insincere, or not knowing how to adequately convey one's feelings.
What are some ways to show appreciation?
Writing a thank you note, giving a thoughtful gift, or simply spending quality time with someone are ways to show appreciation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
